REPORTER: High rises built over the past few years are beginning to erode the fabric of the area - that's according to Richard Moe of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

MOE: Now the character is being dramatically altered by demolitions and the construction of new luxury apartment buildings that loom over the smaller scale buildings that remain. If this keeps up, we won't be able to recognize the Lower East Side.

REPORTER: Moe says the neighborhood needs to be designated an historic district to protect its unique character.

The Boyd Street Theater in Philadelphia and Charity Hospital in New Orleans also made this year's list of endangered sites.